Survival and support
Football legends join forces for epic charity relay to inspire the nation to learn CPR
An incredible line-up of footie legends, celebrity fans and real-life heroes are taking part in an unprecedented four-week charity relay to inspire the nation to learn lifesaving CPR.
‘Big Sam’ Allardyce, Jack Wilshere, Glenn Hoddle and Tom Lockyer are among the stars who will be walking, running, cycling and supporting the epic 4,000km challenge which gets underway on 25th March.
They will also be joined by the likes of Graeme Souness, Dion Dublin, Troy Deeney, comedian and Swansea fan Elis James, actor and lifelong Derby County fan Robert Lindsey and Bristol City fan Sir Tony Robinson.
Donate time to learn CPR
The Sky Bet EFL ‘Every Minute Matters’ Relay will challenge the stars to complete one leg of a 28-day relay that will cross England and Wales and take in every one of the 72 clubs in the English Football League – from Championship pace-setters Leeds United to League Two newcomers Bromley – before reaching Wembley Stadium on 21st April.
And rather than asking for sponsorship, all those taking part in the Sky Bet EFL ‘Every Minute Matters’ Relay will instead be asking the public to donate their time – and take just 15 minutes to learn CPR using our RevivR tool.
CPR can make the difference between life and death. Each month more than 2,500 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK and tragically less than one in 10 survive, often because those around them don’t have the confidence to perform CPR. Every minute that passes reduces the chances of survival by up to 10%.
Save a life
Our ambassador Jack Wilshere is backing the campaign.
The Arsenal legend and Norwich City coach said: “In my personal life, seeing my daughter Siena battle bravely with a heart condition from an early age has given me a unique insight and passion for raising awareness of heart conditions. And in my professional life, I’ve seen that cardiac arrest can impact anyone - even fit and healthy professionals in the peak of physical fitness like Tom Lockyer.
“We need more people to recognise that anyone from any background can learn CPR. That’s why I’m calling on football fans to give up just 15 minutes of their time to learn the life-saving skill of CPR – as you never know, one day you might be able to save a life. I’m confident football fans will seize the opportunity to step up and play their part and I look forward to seeing the campaign smash its target of 270,000 people learning CPR.”
True hero
Lifelong Reading fan Pippa Sharman will be completing a 39km cycle ride from Reading’s stadium to Wycombe Wanders ground on April 16th. Pippa was attending a Reading away game in 2022 when she spotted a car crash into another car. Sensing the driver – David Norman - was unwell Pippa immediately ran over to David’s car to help.
Pippa said: “When I realised he wasn't breathing my first aid training kicked in I reached over him, undid his seatbelt and with the help of another member of the public, pulled him from the car and started CPR.”
She continued: “Thankfully, emergency services quickly arrived and took over while I headed home with my dad and husband Rich. To be honest, I feared the worst before receiving the best possible social media message later that day that that David had survived.”
Luton fan David Norman said: "Pippa is a true hero. She saved my life, it's as simple as that. She’s probably about the best friend I've got, you can't get a better friend really. It just goes to show how vital CPR is - I simply wouldn’t be here today if Pippa hadn’t acted promptly and started CPR. I’d urge everyone to show their support and commit just 15 minutes of their time to learn CPR.”
Race to 270,000
The Relay comes almost a year after Sky Bet teamed up with the British Heart Foundation to launch Every Minute Matters with the goal of encouraging an incredible 270,000 to learn CPR by the end of the 2024-2025 football season – equivalent to three Wembley stadiums.
With two months to go, the campaign has so far encouraged 235,000 people to start learning CPR – meaning the final target is within reach.
Sky Bet separately pledged £3 million to the British Heart Foundation – based on the goals scored by EFL players up and down the country. In February alone, Sky Bet donated £550,000 based on the 445 goals scored during the month – and 11 winning goals in extra time.
Truly lifesaving partnership
Fans can show their support by learning CPR in just 15 minutes with the help of our free, simple and easy to use online tool, RevivR.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive, said: “The Every Minute Matters campaign is truly lifesaving. Hundreds of thousands of people have already been encouraged to learn CPR, and through the efforts of participants and talent taking part in Sky Bet’s EFL Relay, we know many more will be inspired to learn this vital skill.
“We will be cheering every participant on and want to thank them in joining the BHF’s mission to ensure more lives are saved from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.”